Oranjestad. – Awards of excellence were handed out for the second time, during the
Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association General Assembly at the Renaissance Convention Center.
Nominees for the official recognition program were sent in for consideration by a panel of experts, supervised by the University Aruba.
The Shoco, a local indigenous bird, represents creativity, vision and wisdom, says Jorge Pesquera, AHATA CEO. The awards, introduced for the first time in 2005, recognize contributions of gifted and driven individuals among the association’s allied members and among the hotels.
The attractive trophy was originally created by local artists Edwin Donata and Mariza Erasmus.
Alfonso Riverol, AHATA, Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association’s President, and Pesquera helped hand them out at the festive gathering in the presence of hoteliers, media members, dignitaries and award nominees.
AHATA solicited nominee names, mid year, Pesquera explains. The names received were sent in for evaluation focusing on excellence in service, hospitality and outstanding contributions to the sustainability of Aruba’s tourism industry.
Pictured here the winners Hotel Supervisor of the Year, 2006, from La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club, Nilda Echobardo; Allied Employee of the Year 2006, from De Palm Tours, Howard Folkes, and from Aruba Adventure Victor Andrews; and Hotel Employee of the Year from the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Javier Croes, on stage with their awards.
This year two new categories were introduced Hotel of the Year and Young Tourism Professional of the Year, an award which was designed to recognize promising talent in Aruba’s #1 industry. Divi Resorts was recognized in the category of Hotel of the Year and Karen v/d Vaart was acknowledged as the Young Tourism Professional of the Year. The awards were not officially granted because of the small number of candidates the first year out. Nevertheless, Divi Resort & Karen v/d Vaart received a round of applause for their achievements.
AHATA, reiterated Pesquera, stands for quality and vision and the development of leadership, as personified by the award winners.
For more information and entry forms go to AHATA.com
